Translation guide
Expresses movement, orientation, or focus limited to a single direction. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through adverbs, compound verbs, or set phrases rather than a single noun phrase.
Describing travel, flow, or motion that goes only one way, without returning or changing course.
Literally 'one-way traffic', used for roads, paths, or metaphorical one-way situations.
この道は一方通行です。
This road is one-way.
Means 'one way (trip)', used for tickets, journeys, or distances.
片道切符をください。
A one-way ticket, please.
Technical term for 'one direction' or 'unidirectional', used in science, engineering, or formal contexts.
データは一方向にのみ流れます。
Data flows in only one direction.
Indicating that someone's gaze, effort, or interest is directed one way, without distraction.
To concentrate or focus in one direction; natural for describing undivided attention.
彼は一方向に集中して研究を進めた。
He focused his research in one direction and made progress.
Literally 'look in one direction', used for physical gaze or metaphorical attention.
彼女は一方を見つめていた。
She was staring in one direction.
Describing a situation where feelings, information, or effort flow only from one side.
Metaphorically extends the traffic meaning to relationships or communication that is one-sided.
彼との会話はいつも一方通行だ。
Conversations with him are always one-way.
Unrequited love; literally 'one-sided love', a common term for romantic feelings not returned.
The English phrase 'one direction' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating word-for-word as 「一つの方向」 is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use the specific terms above depending on the situation.
それは片思いだった。
It was a one-sided love.